Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection

Acute cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a condition caused by a member of the herpesvirus family.

Alternative Names

CMV mononucleosis; Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) is very common. The infection is spread by:

Blood transfusions

Organ transplants

Respiratory droplets

Saliva

Sexual contact

Urine

Most people come into contact with CMV in their lifetime, but typically only individuals with weakened immune systems become ill from CMV infection. Some otherwise healthy people with acute CMV infection develop a mononucleosis-like syndrome.

In the U.S., CMV infection most commonly develops between ages 10 - 35. Many people are exposed to CMV early in life and do not realize it because they have no symptoms. People with a compromised immune system can have a more severe form of the disease.

CMV is a type of herpes viruses. The virus remains in your body for the rest of your life. If your immune system becomes weakened in the future, this virus may have the chance to reactivate, causing symptoms.

Signs and tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and feel your belly area. Your liver and spleen may be tender when they are gently pressed (palpated). You may have a skin rash.

Special lab tests such as a CMV DNA serum PCR test may be done to check for substances in your blood that are produced by CMV. Other tests such as a CMV antibody test may be done to check your body’s response to the CMV infection.

Treatment

Most patients recover in 4 - 6 weeks without medication. Rest is needed, sometimes for a month or longer to regain full activity levels. Painkillers and warm salt water gargles can help relieve symptoms.

Antiviral medications are usually not used in people with normal immune function.

Expectations (prognosis)

Fever usually goes away in 10 days, and swollen lymph glands and spleen return to normal in 4 weeks. Fatigue may linger for 2 to 3 months.

Complications

Throat infection is the most common complication. Rare complications include:

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of acute CMV infection.

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have sharp, sudden pain in your left upper abdomen. This could be a sign of a ruptured spleen, which requires emergency surgery.

Prevention

CMV infection can be contagious if the infected person comes in close or intimate contact with another person. You should avoid kissing and sexual contact with an infected person.

The virus may also spread among young children in day care settings.

When planning blood transfusions or organ transplants, the CMV status of the donor can be checked to avoid passing CMV to a recipient who has not had CMV.

For help in finding a doctor or health service that suits your needs, call the UPMC Referral Service at 412-647-UPMC (8762) or 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Select option 1.

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